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| Module Availability |
| Semester 2. |
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| Assessment Pattern |
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Unit(s) of Assessment (SITS MAB)
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Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)
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Portfolio of verbal and written responses to films and readings
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40
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3500-word essay
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60
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| Module Overview |
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Innovations in animation techniques and technology have played a significant role in the evolution of cinema and the moving image. Animation could be argued as the precursor to cinema, as early animation devices preceded the invention of the motion picture camera. Today, animation plays a significant role in cinema – from special effects in blockbuster
Hollywood
films to the rise in popularity and success of animated features.
This module covers the history of animation in the cinema from the invention of early animation toys to computer generated imagery. A wide variety of animation techniques and nationally-specific animation will be covered, as well as theoretical topics that help us understand how animation makes meaning in a different (and similar) way to live action film. The module will introduce current research in animation and film studies and engage with cutting edge developments in the production and exhibition of the moving image.
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
| None. |
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| Module Aims |
- To provide the opportunity to investigate and discuss the history of animation and several of its key moments, films and movements
- To provide an understanding of the different styles and techniques of animation
- To introduce the key theoretical questions associated with understanding and interpreting animated film
To situate animated film within the context of live action cinema |
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| Learning Outcomes |
At the end of this module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the development of animation in cinema over the last 120 years.
- Identify key moments/ films/studios/movements in the history of animation and understand how they fit into a broader history of development
- Identify different styles and techniques of animation
- Assess animated films in terms of the key theoretical questions regarding animation in relation to live action
- Situate animated film within the broader context of live action cinema.
They will practice the skills of:
- Preparing and leading discussion and generating debate.
Independent research and analysis of a film/ cultural product.
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| Module Content |
A possible list of topics could include:
- The invention of animation, lightning sketches and early trick films
- The early animation studios
- Disney
- The golden age of American animation
- Avant-garde and abstract animation
- Case-studies of national animation (, ,
Eastern Europe
)
- Computer and digital animation
The evolution of 3D technology |
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
Lectures/ seminars (10)
Reading
using lecturer’s guidance
Researching and preparing presentations
Participating in discussion
Producing a researched essay |
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| Selected Texts/Journals |
Bendazzi, Giannalberto. Cartoons: One Hundred Year of Cinema Animation.
London
: John Libbey, 1994
Furniss, Maureen. The Animation Bible: A guide to everything from flipbooks to flash.
London
: Laurence King, 2008.
Wells, Paul. Understanding Animation.
London
: Routledge, 1998
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| Last Updated |
| 11/04/11 |
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